Tropical storm Newton nears Mexico's Baja California

Tropical storm Newton, formed off Mexico's Baja California peninsula, could strengthen to a hurricane and trigger flash floods along coastal areas, US authorities warned.
At 0300 GMT, Newton was packing winds of 40 miles per hour (65 kmh) as it approached southern Mexico yesterday, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a statement.
"Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 36 hours or so, and Newton could be near hurricane intensity when it approaches the extreme southern Baja California peninsula Tuesday morning," the NHC said.
With as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain expected to fall in coastal areas, the downpours "could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in areas of mountainous terrain," the NHC warned.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for the area around the resort town of Cabos San Lucas, the NHC said.